LIVE
COSTA RICA
Not Just a Vacation. A Real Adventure.
Surf the Pacific. Fish the deep blue. Explore hidden waterfalls, jungle trails, and wildlife. Experience the real Costa Rica — with someone who knows every corner of it.
This Is Not Your Average Vacation
We don\’t do cookie-cutter travel packages. Jaco Retreat is a curated, personal experience — built for people who want to go deeper, live bolder, and come home changed.
Authentic Experiences
No tourist traps. We take you to the real Costa Rica — local spots, hidden beaches, family-owned restaurants, and jungle trails most visitors never find.
Adventure Your Way
From laid-back beach days to hardcore jungle ATV rides — you choose your pace. Every itinerary is customized. Nothing is scripted. Everything is memorable.
Small Groups, Big Impact
Intimate groups mean personal attention, real connections, and moments that feel just for you — not a crowd of strangers being herded from bus to bus.
Experience It Before You Move Here
Thousands of people retire or relocate to Costa Rica every year. Jaco Retreat is the perfect way to live like a local for a week — explore neighborhoods, meet expats, understand the lifestyle — before making any big decisions.
🌴 Live It FirstYour Costa Rica Experience Awaits
Hand-picked, locally guided adventures in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world. Click any card to explore details and book.
Surfing
Warm Pacific waves, expert instructors, beginner to advanced. Jacó Beach is one of the best learn-to-surf spots in the world.
ATV Adventures
Jungle trails, hidden waterfalls, panoramic ocean views — off-road thrills through 850 acres of private wilderness.
Sport Fishing
Offshore billfish and inshore charters from Los Sueños Marina — one of the premier sport fishing destinations in the world.
Waterfall Hikes
Bijagual and beyond — stunning multi-tier jungle cascades accessible by guided hike or ATV. You’ll never forget this.
Wildlife Tours
Sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, crocodiles — Costa Rica has 5% of the world\’s biodiversity. Every day here is a wildlife documentary.
Ziplining
Soar above the jungle canopy on 18 lines over 11 waterfalls with panoramic Pacific views. The ultimate aerial adventure.
Sunset Cruises
Sail the Pacific at golden hour with dolphins, cocktails, and the most stunning sunsets you’ve ever seen. Pura Vida in a glass.
Horseback Riding
Ride through rainforest trails and along Jacó Beach at sunset. One of those experiences you\’ll describe for years.
Local Culture
Street art tours, food tours, artisan markets — experience how Costa Ricans actually live. Pura Vida isn\’t just a phrase, it\’s a way of life.
Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle Damas Island mangroves, snorkel Playa Fantasia — turquoise water, tropical fish, and pure jungle silence.
Volcano & Day Trips
Arenal Volcano, hot springs, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio — epic full-day adventures from your base in Jacó.
Relaxation & Wellness
Cold plunge, beach massage, pool days, yoga — sometimes the best adventure is total stillness. You earned it.
Wake Up in Costa Rica.
The Rest Writes Itself.
Imagine your alarm is howler monkeys and waves crashing on the Pacific. You step onto your balcony as the sun rises golden over Jacó Beach, coffee in hand, and realize — this is not a vacation. This is a whole different life.
By 7am you’re paddling out on warm glassy waves. By noon you’re hiking to a hidden waterfall where the only sound is rushing water and birdsong. By sunset you’re on a boat watching dolphins play in your wake. At night, Jacó comes alive in a way that will surprise you.
This is what we built Jaco Retreat for. Not a check-the-box trip. A genuine, unforgettable experience of living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
🌴 Start Planning My Trip6 & 12 Month Leases Available
A Luxury Condo in the Heart of Jacó
Our fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo sits inside Costa Linda Resort — a gated community with a pool, gym, and everything you need to live, not just stay, in Costa Rica.
Sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably in fully furnished luxury
Gated resort complex with tropical garden and full amenities
5-minute walk to Jacó Beach — surf, swim, sunset walks
24/7 security, private parking, and a safe neighborhood
Fully equipped kitchen with a brand-new dishwasher — cook at home or walk to local restaurants and sodas
Work remotely or just Netflix between adventures
See It Before You Live It
Real photos from real stays. This is what waits for you in Costa Rica.
★★★★★ Don't Take Our Word For It
Guests from 30+ countries have made Jaco Retreat their Costa Rica home base.
"This was the best trip of my life. The condo was stunning, the host knew every hidden gem, and the fishing was absolutely incredible. I caught a 200lb marlin on day two. Already planning my return."
"We went as a group of four friends and honestly weren't sure what to expect. What we got was SO much more than we imagined. The ATV jungle tour alone was worth the whole trip. Pura Vida is REAL."
"As a solo traveler, I was nervous about Costa Rica. From the airport pickup to the goodbye, I never once felt unsafe or lost. The host connected me with other guests and I made lifelong friends."
"The waterfall hike blew my mind. I've traveled to 40+ countries and this was genuinely one of the most beautiful natural experiences I've ever had. Perfectly organized, no tourist nonsense."
"My husband and I did the surf lesson on day one — neither of us had ever surfed before — and by day three we were out there on our own. The condo is gorgeous, the pool is perfect."
"Third time back and it just keeps getting better. This place ruined all other travel for me. I keep trying other spots and coming back here. Nothing else compares."
Your Entire Costa Rica Experience,
Mapped Before You Arrive
Click any pin to discover what's nearby — beaches, wildlife, adventures, dining, and hidden gems only locals know.
Verified host · Superhost status
Your Local Expert & Personal Guide to Costa Rica
I've lived in Jacó for over 8 years. Before that, I was just another tourist who fell in love with Costa Rica and never left. I know every surf break, every fishing spot, every hidden waterfall, and every restaurant worth eating at.
When you stay at Jaco Retreat, you're not booking a condo — you're getting a local friend who genuinely wants your trip to be the best experience of your life. Safety, authenticity, and fun are non-negotiable.
6 Days in Costa Rica —
What It Could Look Like
Fully customizable — but this gives you a feel for the rhythm and magic of a week in Jacó.
Arrival — Welcome to Costa Rica 🌼
Private airport pickup, scenic 90-minute drive through lush rainforest to Jacó. Check in, freshen up, and head to the beach for a sunset welcome dinner by the ocean. Your adventure begins tonight.
Downtown & Beach Walking Tour 🚶
Morning coffee on your balcony, then explore Jacó town on foot with your host. Local cafés, artisan markets, and the best beaches nearby. Evening sunset relaxation at the pool.
Waterfalls + Jungle + Surf 🌊
Early morning guided waterfall hike into the jungle — Bijagual Waterfalls are breathtaking. Back for lunch, then afternoon surf lessons on warm Pacific waves. This day is the definition of Pura Vida.
Book Activities on ViatorSport Fishing + Bike + Horseback 🐤
Dawn departure from Los Sueños Marina for an offshore fishing charter. Afternoon coastal bike ride through Jacó. As the day cools, horseback riding on the beach — one of those experiences you\'ll describe for years.
Book Activities on ViatorATV Adventure + Jacó Nightlife 🚕
Full-day jungle ATV expedition through hidden trails, muddy climbs, and secret viewpoints over the Pacific. Clean up, hit one of Jacó's famous restaurants for dinner, then experience the famous nightlife.
Book Activities on ViatorYour Choice — Relax or Explore 🧏
Your last full day — your rules. Spa massage, beach hammock, Manuel Antonio day trip, more surfing, ziplining, or absolutely nothing. Farewell dinner by the ocean, airport transfer on day 7.
Ready to make this your reality?
🌼 Build My ItineraryStart Your Costa Rica Story
Fill out the form and we'll confirm your dates within 24 hours. No payment required until confirmed.
When do you want to arrive?
Everything You Want to Know
Yes — and Jacó is one of the most tourist-friendly towns in the country. Millions of international visitors come to Costa Rica each year without incident. We take safety seriously: we provide briefings before every activity, we only use vetted local guides and operators, and you\'ll have 24/7 access to your host for anything that comes up. Stay aware (as you would anywhere) and you\'ll be absolutely fine.
Not at all. Most businesses in Jacó speak English, and your host is fluent in both languages. For any activities where Spanish might come in handy, we'll translate and advocate for you. This is one of the most English-friendly tourist destinations in Latin America.
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. It's the main international airport with direct flights from most major US cities, Canada, and Europe. From there, Jacó is about a 90-minute scenic drive. We offer private airport pickup — just let us know your flight details. Book airport transfer on Viator from $40/group →
Absolutely — Jacó Beach is ideal for beginners. Warm water, consistent waves, and gentle swells make it one of the best learn-to-surf spots in Costa Rica. Our surf instructors are patient, experienced, and will have you standing up on a board in your first lesson. Many first-timers are surprised how quickly they progress. Book surf lessons from $50 on Viator →
Your stay includes the fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo at Costa Linda Resort (pool, gym, gated security), personalized itinerary planning with your host, local recommendations and insider access, and 24/7 host availability. All activities and excursions are available as add-ons and priced separately — so you only pay for what you actually want to do.
Solo travelers are some of our most enthusiastic guests. You'll meet other guests naturally, your host will introduce you to the local social scene, and there\'s a ready-made community here if you want it. Or if you prefer total privacy and solo adventures, that\'s equally easy to arrange. Either way, you\'ll never feel alone — unless you want to be.
Light, breathable clothing (it\'s tropical — pack for 80-90°F / 27-32°C). Swimsuit, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), a light rain jacket (afternoon showers are common and refreshing), comfortable walking shoes, and flip flops. Bring your sense of adventure — everything else is optional. We provide towels, linens, and basic kitchen supplies at the condo.
Absolutely — this is one of the most popular reasons people come to Jaco Retreat. Costa Rica is consistently ranked one of the best countries for expats and retirees (low cost of living, excellent healthcare, stable democracy, beautiful climate). A week here lets you explore neighborhoods, meet expats who made the move, understand daily life, and decide if it\'s right for you — all while having an amazing vacation. We can connect you with local expat communities and real estate advisors if interested.
Peak season (December–April) books up 2-4 months ahead. For green season (May–November), 4-6 weeks is usually fine. We occasionally have last-minute openings, so it\'s always worth asking. Once you have a date in mind, don\'t wait — popular weeks go fast.
